Upland Jacket

quail hound

quail hound

Moderator
So I'm going to SD in december and I assume it will get pretty cold so I'm looking for suggestions on a good jacket. I am a Ca boy but I am used to hunting in weather down to the 5-10 degree range, its the wind I'm worried about. Maybe I don't really need a jacket, what do you think?
 
Last edited:
In my opinion money is better sent on quality base layers if your going to be an active hunter out there. In the cold wind something with a hood can be the difference between being comfortable and not wanting to get out of the truck.
 
wisturkeyhunter said:
In my opinion money is better sent on quality base layers if your going to be an active hunter out there. In the cold wind something with a hood can be the difference between being comfortable and not wanting to get out of the truck.
Click to expand...

Thats kind of what I was thinking. On really cold (5-10 degrees, I know thats not really too cold) I usually just wear a long sleeve and a flannel over it and I'm usually shedding the flannel in 30 mins or so. I've never really had to deal with cold and wind though so some type of wind breaker might be in order.:cheers:
 
I'm with you guys, a few layers, a hoodie and an extra cap. I get cold fingers so a good pair of gloves and a good liner is the most important thing to me. There is no staying inside on that trip though , I'd bring a heavy coat I already owned just in case.
I'm excited for you Robert...really sounds like a great trip.
 
Google WindShear hunting clothing. It's a windblocking membrane usually incorporated into another breathable fabric such as wool or fleece. I know Cabelas sells a bunch of hunting gear with WindShear.
 
I would say your going to want a good wind breaking coat. To me the best plan is a shell/game belt or a strap vest over whatever coat and layers you decide to wear. I find this to be much more cost effective than a specialty upland coat. It is also more flexible.
 
As you attested to even in the coldest temps your going to be walking a lot, thus sweating, so you really don't need a heavy coat at all, just the proper layering with good moisture control, breathable fabrics. A good lightweight shell (wind proof) that can be layered underneath is all that is usually needed. More important is your base layer next to your skin. An absolute must to have one of the modern moisture wicking under garments now available in different weights. Well worth the money IMO.

Here is a decent wind blocking lighter weight jacket from Cabela's that is the kind I am speaking of that is not real expensive. Get one that is big enough to layer and you will be fine.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clot...SBC;MM;cat104748480;cat104665680;cat104028480
 
Last edited:
I've got the previous version of the cabelas jacket linked above, as does my dad. Have had for several years. Love it. Depending on conditions I'll wear a tshirt under it, or thermals or wool or fleece or all of the above. One of my best gear purchases.
 
Cold weather: Topside, a tight polyester wicking longsleeve undershirt, thick blaze hoodie, blaze watchcap, Browning Upland Vest. Below, Polyester longjohns and undersocks, wool socks, denim jeans and sometimes heavy chaps. Footwear varies. I'll lose the hoodie if I get too warm. Cabela Elkskin gloves, unlined and thinsulate.
 
Last edited:
Robert some good advise on this thread. Layers is the way to go. I would however take a heavy coat just in case.:thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the tips fellas.:cheers:
 
Be prepared. Take snacks and warm drinks. Stay hydrated.

Polyester everything, and thin layers. Under drawers and T shirt, long johns, 1/4 zip turtleneck, shirt, down vest, hoodie, wind shear/breaking jacket. No cotton, it'll absorb sweat and make you cold. All, hunter's orange, so when you peel clothes off you are still high vis.

Wool socks. Insulated gloves. Maybe mittens with trigger finger slit.

Maybe insulated boots.

Balaclava.

I took my ski goggles once.

Extra set of dry socks.

Strap vest.

And, practice shooting all dressed up.
 
dvmweb said:
Be prepared. Take snacks and warm drinks. Stay hydrated.

Polyester everything, and thin layers. Under drawers and T shirt, long johns, 1/4 zip turtleneck, shirt, down vest, hoodie, wind shear/breaking jacket. No cotton, it'll absorb sweat and make you cold. All, hunter's orange, so when you peel clothes off you are still high vis.

Wool socks. Insulated gloves. Maybe mittens with trigger finger slit.

Maybe insulated boots.

Balaclava.

I took my ski goggles once.

Extra set of dry socks.

Strap vest.

And, practice shooting all dressed up.
Click to expand...


I Second the practice all wrapped up. It does make a difference or expect to shoot over your birds. The heel of the shotgun will catch on you layers and prevent seating the butt of the gun in you shoulder.
 
I recommend a field coat that zips because buttons get torn off in tall cover. If the coat you like has buttons only, an alteration shop can put in a sturdy metal zipper. I also recommend against any coat that has insulation. Use shirts, sweaters, etc., for layering your insulation.
 
Last edited:
About four years ago I bought an upland coat similar to the Cabelas 8 in 1 from Gander Mt. for an after Christmas hunt in ND. It was one of the best purchases I ever made as we had a couple of days of -20 on that trip. The coat is soft and comfortable and it has a zip out liner and zip off sleeves so you can customize it to the weather.

The other thing that I recommend is a balaclava for headwear. They are very flexible and can be worn as a hat, a full facemask, or just a neck gaiter. You can regulate your body temp quite a bit just with your headgear.

Jerry
 
I have one of the Cabela's 8 in 1 coats and really like it for the extreme cold. That's the only time I wear it but it keeps me warm! I bought one for my wife too and she likes it as well.

AM
 
Some great advice here. I need to go out and get a jacket myself. Think I have decided to get the Bired N' Light jacket. Several people have told me they really like it.

Robert--I see on another post that you have bought a new jacket and vest. What did you end up getting?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top